WORK-RELATED RESPIRATORY SYMPTOMS AND ASSOCIATED FACTORS AMONG FURNITURE MANUFACTURING WORKERS IN BAHIR DAR CITY, NORTHWEST ETHIOPIA; 2021

Abstract

Abstract Background: Exposure to wood dust is responsible for the development of various respiratory diseases. Wood dust exposure could cause respiratory symptoms, such as cough, phlegm, breathlessness, chest pain, reduce lung function, chronic bronchitis, and asthma. However, there is limited information on the magnitude of exposure and contributed factors in Ethiopia. The magnitude of exposure of the problem is not well known and the information is limited about the risk factors. Therefore this study aims to assess the prevalence of work-related respiratory symptoms and associated factors among furniture workers in Bahir-Dar city, Ethiopia, Methods: A comparative cross-sectional study was used. A study was conducted from March to April 2021. The total sample size was 472 (236 exposed group and 236 unexposed groups) study participants were recruited from furniture workers(exposed group) and the general population (unexposed group) was including simple random sampling techniques. Data entry in Epi-data and analysis by SPSS software applications, Bivariable, and Multivariable binary logistic regression models were used to identify factors associated with respiratory symptoms based on the adjusted odds ratio (AOR) with 95 % CL and p-valve less than 0.05. Result: A total of 457 (229 woodworkers and 228 non-wood workers) participated in this study was 96.8% of the response rate. Prevalence of respiratory symptoms was 59.4% (95% CI:53.4- 66%) and 18.0% (95% CI: 13-23%) among exposed and unexposed group respectively. Who had no taking of occupational health and safety training (AOR=5.15,95%, CI:1.93,13.76), primary educational (AOR=3.85,95%, CI:1.2-13.47), less than 3 family size (AOR=3.06,95%, CI:1.04- 9.03), and not using of personal protective device (AOR=6.38,95%CI:2.69-15.76) were factors significantly associated with the respiratory symptoms in furniture manufacture. Conclusion: Prevalence of respiratory symptoms was higher among workers exposed to wood dust than unexposed workers. Educational level, occupational health and safety(OSH) training, family size, and use of a respiratory protective device, was identified factors for the respiratory symptoms. Those reduced the exposure of wood dust, OSH training, and the respiratory protective device should be provided to take preventive measurements. Keywords: Respiratory symptoms, wood dust, furniture workers, work-related exposure.